The Erie Frost and Clarence Red Devils pose for a photo after the championship game on Sunday. Submitted photo
DUNKIRK — The inaugural Chadwick Bay Softball Bash tournament was conducted along the lake shore of Dunkirk this weekend.
The visiting 16U and 14U girls fast pitch teams were treated to great competition and amenities of the area.
A total of 38 games were contested across four fields in the City of Dunkirk. While the Little League Complex, School 7 field and “The Stadium” saw the majority of the action, the Dunkirk High School athletic complex was the home of some hotly contested playoff games Sunday.
When the dust settled, the Clarence Red Devils defeated the Erie (PA) Frost 7-6 in a back and forth Championship Bracket contest. While in the Silver Bracket, two teams from North Tonawanda brought their heated rivalry to School 7 where the NT Jacks -Witt defeated the NT Jaxx -Syruws 8-4.
Some highlights of the weekend included a win by the Host Chadwick Bay Fury in front of a packed crowd Friday night at the Stadium over the Hamburg Lady Dawgs 18-9. The hosts were eliminated in a hard fought 6-4 game on Sunday morning against North Buffalo.
Wright Park was bustling as teams found picnicking and grilling throughout the park.
“It is great to see this kind of activity in the park,” Mayor Wilfred Rosas commented during a visit to the park on Saturday afternoon. “We keep hearing from all the visiting families about the “hidden gem“that this park and facility are and how they can’t wait to return.”
“This weekend was a shining example of what youth sports should be,” tournament organizer Kory Ahlstrom added after the final game on Sunday evening. “Teams competed hard in intense heat, coaches, parents and spectators were nothing but respectful all weekend. We saw teams competing hard against each other, shaking hands and then playing cornhole or visiting the splash pad together. It really was a great weekend and teams are already clamoring to return next year. Special thanks go out to the umpires and volunteers, especially Jason Donato, who donated his expertise with field preparation all weekend.”
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